Winter local transportation and getting around in Mongolia

Hi everyone, I’m setting off to put one foot in front of the other for 5 weeks in Mongolia starting mid-January. I always travel like the locals do—buses, shared "taxis," trucks... Has anyone here had experience with winter transportation there?

Weather-wise, I’ve dealt with extreme cold before, so I’m all set with gear.

See you soon, Marie

Hi there, Public transport, especially buses, has improved over the past few years (more comfort), and from Ulaanbaatar (UB), they now go in all directions. However, in winter, some routes might not run daily. There are several bus stations depending on the destination, so make sure to check ahead.

Arrive *very* early compared to the departure schedule!

There’s also a railway line that goes toward Russia.

Happy travels!

Hello, Public transport, especially buses, has improved over the years (more comfort), and since UB they leave in all directions. However, in winter some routes may no longer run daily. There are several bus stations depending on the destination, so it's best to check.

Arrive very early in relation to the departure time!

There's also a railway line that goes to Russia.

Have a good trip!

Hello, thanks so much for your message—I’ve noted everything down and will definitely check. I’ve traveled a lot in Siberia in summer but mostly in winter, and up there there aren’t many roads or buses (except in cities). Have you ever traveled in Mongolia in winter?

By the way, there’s a Russian joke that goes: “I’d never go to Siberia, I hear there are lots of bears on the roads,” and the other person replies, “That’s impossible because there aren’t any roads.”

I’ll be staying in Mongolia—yes, I know there’s a train that goes to Irkutsk and beyond, but Russia is off the table for a very long time, even though I left a piece of my heart and some friends in that incredible North.

Thanks again for your message, and safe travels!

Marie

Yes, we went to Mongolia in winter for the Ice Festival in 2019 and for the Camel Festival in the Gobi in 2012. But we had private transport, so we didn’t have any trouble finding the buses! That said, since 2012 (as I mentioned) the network has improved. Anyway, at the guest house where you’re staying, they’ll tell you where to find the right bus station and how to get there if it’s far from your accommodation! Just so you know, any vehicle can act as a taxi if you pay—just agree on the price before getting in. And yes, it’s always more expensive for tourists… that’s just how it goes. If possible, check the average price for the ride you want beforehand and have your destination written in Cyrillic—it makes communication *so* much easier!!!

Thanks again for all the info—I think it’ll work out. Anyway, people are moving around, so I’ll just go with the flow. See you soon! Marie